Canada column for Sunday, Oct. 18/20
THE CANADIAN REPORT
By Jim Fox
A surge in COVID-19 cases across Canada has led to tighter restrictions in virus hotspots.
The national daily count is climbing by an average of 2,300 cases, with an average of 20 deaths.
There are 194,000 confirmed cases in Canada and 9,721 deaths.
“We’re seeing a rapid increase in the rate of infection,” said Ontario Premier Doug Ford as he reluctantly imposed tighter restrictions on Toronto, Peel and Ottawa, the nation’s capital city.
These include limited visits allowed at long-term care homes, banning dining in restaurants, closing health clubs, reducing hours for bars and limiting the numbers at public gatherings and wearing face masks.
Quebec, where “red zones” for the virus include Montreal and Quebec City, along with Manitoba and other areas, are being targeted with new restrictions.
Canadians are also being urged to get flu shots to ease the burden on the health-care system.
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A very Canadian idea of having a virus-safe Halloween is to use hockey sticks to hand out candy to keep a safe distance.
Dr. Theresa Tam said trick-or-treating should be possible as long as little ghosts and goblins take precautions to prevent the virus spread.
Canada’s chief public health officer said parents should listen to local authorities for advice on their community activities.
Polls show people are about evenly divided for taking part in normal activities after scaling back events for last Monday’s Canadian Thanksgiving.
Tam suggests a mask can be incorporated into a costume and to respect physical distancing, using hand sanitizer and ensuring that treats are prepackaged.
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News in brief:
- Nine employees of former Senator Don Meredith will receive a total of $498,000 in compensation for harassment and $30,000 in legal fees. An investigation found inappropriate behavior that included demeaning and humiliating staff members, kissing, touching and intimidation. Meredith was appointed to the Senate by former Prime Minister Stephen Harper in 2010 and resigned from the upper chamber in 2017.
- Scotiabank Arena isn’t being used for U.S. voter registration due to pandemic concerns. The facility, home to last year’s NBA champs the Toronto Raptors, was being considered to assist Americans living in Canada. Rising virus case numbers in Toronto and Ontario province, and restrictions on indoor gatherings were behind the change. There are about 650,000 Americans living in Canada.
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Facts and figures:
The Canadian dollar is lower at 75.8 cents U.S. while the U.S. dollar returns $1.31 Canadian before exchange fees.
The Bank of Canada’s key interest rate is steady at 0.25 percent while the prime lending rate is 2.45 percent.
Canadian stock markets are lower with the Toronto index at 16,438 points and the TSX Venture index 725 points.
The average price for gas in Canada is lower at $1.02 a liter (Canadian) or $3.87 for a U.S. gallon.
Lotto Max: (Oct. 13) 3, 10, 13, 19, 21, 45 and 49; bonus 12. (Oct. 9) 4, 6, 12, 30, 32, 33 and 34; bonus 29.
Lotto 6/49: (Oct. 14) 10, 18, 20, 38, 39 and 44; bonus 40. (Oct. 10) 6, 23, 24, 29, 36 and 38; bonus 25.
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Regional briefs:
- Advancements in DNA technology have led police to now-deceased family friend Calvin Hoover they say raped and murdered Christine Jessop, 9, in Queensville, Ontario in 1984. Police said this confirms that Guy Paul Morin, a neighbor of the Jessop’s, was wrongly convicted. He was released from prison in 1995 on early DNA evidence after serving 18 months.
- Many Canadian “snowbirds” who head south to warmer climates for the winter are waiting it out in British Columbia, hoping the land border to the U.S. will soon open up. Coastal British Columbia RV parks are full, says the B. C. Lodging and Campground Association. Hard-hit tourism businesses are also offering traditional hotel rooms and other spots that offer parking, power and other amenities for the winter.
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Jim Fox can be reached at canadareport@hotmail.com
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